New York, NY: October 19, 2020 – Jewish National Fund-USA’s (JNF-USA) Virtual National Conference commenced on Sunday, October 18 with several major funding updates announced regarding the organization’s support for the land and people of Israel and Jewish people everywhere. One of the main highlights of the evening was the presentation of Jewish National Fund-USA’s President’s Award to JNF-USA Vice President, Administration and Compliance, Harold Kaplan.
The President’s Award is the organization’s highest honor and was presented by JNF-USA President Dr. Sol Lizerbram.
JNF-USA President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram (pictured) acknowledged Harold Kaplans impressive contribution to the organization.
Dr. Lizerbram remarked: “I want to recognize someone very special to us at JNF-USA – Harold Kaplan. Three years ago, when the Board requested a review of JNF-USA’s bylaws and articles of incorporation, it was Harold who established and led the committee to do so. They updated and modernized our corporate structure and governing documents to reflect modern practices as well as the new realities of JNF-USA’s expanding role as an independent, national, multi-project driven organization focused on the future and development of the land and people of Israel. Under Harold’s leadership, they also updated JNF-USA’s 93-year-old certificate of incorporation and updated bylaws to more accurately reflect the JNF-USA of today. Harold worked in partnership with JNF-USA’s many stakeholders, ensuring a seamless restructure while preserving our historical roots. There’s no one whom we believe is more deserving of this recognition today than Harold Kaplan. Therefore, it is my privilege to present you with JNF-USA’s highest award, the President’s Award, and thank you for your incredible service to our organization.”
Harold Kaplan (pictured) accepting the President's Award on Sunday evening.
Following Dr. Lizerbram’s remarks, Kaplan responded: “I’d like to thank the great [JNF-USA] constitution and governance committee that put in so much time to analyze and create an infrastructure for JNF-USA that would help it do more and more projects in the future. In doing so, we got to look back at the history of JNF-USA in the United States from 1926, when it was founded before there was a State of Israel, and its instrumental role in creating the Jewish State. Thank you Sol, and I know you have mandated the committee to look at the corporate bylaws and structure at least once a century and I look forward to reconvening the committee at that time!”
Plans are already underway for JNF-USA’s 2021 National Conference in Israel, and as Dr. Lizerbram aptly noted: “The phrase ‘next year in Jerusalem’ has an extra special meaning this year, and I’m looking forward to all of us seeing each other in Israel for JNF-USA’s National Conference next October 10-14.”
JNF-USA’s Virtual National continues through Friday, October 23. For more information, visit jnf.org/virtualnc.
ENDS
Contact: Media enquiries: Stefan Oberman, JNF-USA Director of Communications E: soberman@jnf.org. P: 212.879.9305 x222
About Jewish National Fund-USA:
JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, JNF-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation.